PolitiFact Wisconsin did its own analysis and found a much smaller number — just 37,011 jobs added statewide since the governor took office.

Walker now says building certainty and avoiding divisiveness is such a priority that he will push GOP lawmakers not to bring up certain bills important to conservatives, including some he may support, such as those to end same-day voter registration, restrict immigration, implement so-called "right-to-work," and overhaul the state Government Accountability Board.

"It's not a flip-flop because I'm not necessarily changing positions," Walker said. "I'm just saying in light of where we're at, in light of where we're headed, if we want to focus on creating more jobs in this state, we need to have the focus be in that area."

Mordecai Lee, a UW-Milwaukee governmental affairs professor and former Democratic lawmaker, said Walker's change in tone and approach is rooted in the recall.